asked the Minister for Energy if he will clarify the current state of hydro-electric power harnessing of waterways; if there are any proposals to expand this; the way in which it compares in terms of cost and efficiency with other sources of electricity generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Hydro-electric Power.
157.
The ESB has installed hydro-electric capacity of 512 MW (including 292 MW pumped storage) which represents 13 per cent of total installed capacity. They estimate that this represents 73 per cent of total technically feasible hydro capacity. The best sites are already developed and prospects for the development of the remaining 27 per cent depend on changing economic criteria and environmental consideration. A survey carried out on behalf of the Department of Energy and published in 1985 identified over 500 sites technically capable of generating hydro electricity. Under the EC Valoren programme, the ESB planned to develop a number of small scale hydro plants. Representations by persons and organisations concerned with environmental issues and refusal of planning permission has prevented some of these being developed but one plant in west Cork is under construction. The ESB are now looking at alternative sites.
A small number of private sector hydro plants also generate electricity for sale to the ESB and proposals for similar new projects arise from time to time. The ESB provide a free preliminary evaluation and advisory service to private site owners and operate a special tariff for purchases of hydro electricity. The cost of purchasing hydro electricity is higher than the cost of generating additional supplies from existing ESB plant fuelled by coal, gas or oil.
The ex-works cost per unit of ESB electricity by fuel source in 1988 was hydro (excluding pumped storage) 0.78p, coal 1.97p, gas and oil 2.34p and peat 4.22p. The purchase price of bought in hydro was 2.9p.